Leadership

4. What Must Leaders Do More?

To be a leader, you have to act like a leader.

The more of these things you do, the more you will achieve.

4.1 Make time to look into the future, rather than always letting today's rush overwhelm your attention. (See Managing your time.)

4.2 Make complex things simple.

• People try harder and make fewer mistakes when they all understand what is going on.

4.3 Always try to change the organisation for the better and move it forward.

• When you see the chance to bring in real improvements, make the changes now.

4.4 Invest time and effort in networking.

• Put in time with your contacts outside the business, especially friends who run other companies.
• Spend time talking to customers, industry experts and journalists.
• Build alliances by co-operating, even in small ways, with other organisations.
• Promote your business tirelessly and enthusiastically wherever you go.

4.5 Be systematic, so things do not fall through the cracks.

• Your example will encourage other people to work in a methodical way.

4.6 Add value yourself every day.

• The best leaders sell, negotiate, plan and administer every day and get through a mountain of work, partly through managing their time effectively.
• Phone or visit customers and suppliers. Be seen to get personally involved.